Consultant Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Consultant salary lies between USD 109,100 and USD 202,000 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 10, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Consultant roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Consultant job listings are Cloud, Compliance and CISSP. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 2632 jobs Compliance | 1650 jobs CISSP | 1341 jobs Strategy | 1303 jobs Computer Science | 1196 jobs Risk management | 1048 jobs Governance | 975 jobs Audits | 963 jobs NIST | 954 jobs Azure | 916 jobs Incident response | 896 jobs CISM | 884 jobs C | 874 jobs Privacy | 872 jobs AWS | 855 jobs ISO 27001 | 823 jobs Monitoring | 816 jobs Risk assessment | 770 jobs CISA | 735 jobs Vulnerabilities | 734 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Consultant roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Consultant job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 2621 jobs Flex hours | 1212 jobs Health care | 1118 jobs Team events | 1049 jobs Competitive pay | 864 jobs Equity / stock options | 813 jobs Salary bonus | 731 jobs Startup environment | 640 jobs Medical leave | 612 jobs Flex vacation | 456 jobs Insurance | 432 jobs Parental leave | 388 jobs Conferences | 262 jobs Wellness | 244 jobs 401(k) matching | 128 jobs Transparency | 90 jobs Travel | 79 jobs Fitness / gym | 77 jobs Gear | 72 jobs Flexible spending account | 70 jobs

Salary Composition

In the field of InfoSec/Cyber Security consulting in the United States, the salary structure typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and individual performance, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger companies or tech-centric regions like Silicon Valley and can make up 5% to 10% of the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role, with higher salaries often found in metropolitan areas with a high cost of living, such as New York City or San Francisco. Industry-specific factors can also influence salary composition, with financial services and technology sectors typically offering more competitive packages.

Increasing Salary Potential

To increase your salary beyond the median of $155,000, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or AI-driven threat detection. Networking within industry circles and attending relevant conferences can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can position you for senior consultant or managerial roles, which typically offer higher compensation. Exploring opportunities in high-demand sectors, such as finance or healthcare, where cybersecurity is critical, can also lead to increased salary potential.

Educational Requirements

Most InfoSec/Cyber Security consultant roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, particularly for senior roles or specialized areas of cybersecurity. Degrees in cybersecurity, information assurance, or network security are increasingly common and can provide a strong foundation for a career in this field. Continuous education and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies are crucial for career advancement.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Common and beneficial certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). For those focusing on specific areas, certifications like Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) can be advantageous. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, often leading to better job prospects and higher salaries.

Experience Requirements

Typically, InfoSec/Cyber Security consultant roles require several years of experience in IT or cybersecurity. Entry-level positions may require 2-3 years of relevant experience, while more senior roles could demand 5-10 years. Experience in roles such as security analyst, network administrator, or systems engineer can provide a solid foundation. Practical experience with security tools, threat analysis, and incident response is often essential. Demonstrating a track record of successful security projects or initiatives can also be a significant advantage.

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